The Lords Day
5 September 2021
Readings for this Weekend: 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
First Reading: Isaiah 35:4-7
Second Reading: James 2:1-5
Gospel: Mark 7:31-37
Welcome to the Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary & St Matthew
Those whom Jesus heals cannot help but go around telling everyone they meet about the powerful prophet who restored them to health. For them, telling the story of Jesus' healing power is part of the healing process itself.
Sunday Reflection
For over 80 years, Alcoholics Anonymous has helped people overcome addictions to alcohol, drugs, and other destructive behaviors. When people working the program achieve a certain level of serenity and healing, they learn that it is not enough to simply stop drinking or using drugs. If they are to know true and lasting healing, they cannot keep their stories to themselves. They have to reach out to others with the good news that their addictions can be overcome. It is part of the healing process itself to help bring others to experience healing in their own lives.
The same is true with those who are healed by Jesus. They are so overcome with joy after their encounter with him that they have to tell everyone about it. It is interesting that throughout the Gospel of Mark, Jesus commands people not to tell anyone who he is and what he has done for them. It seems strange to us that Jesus would want to hide his identity, but he needed it to be clear that he was not a political Messiah who would liberate them from Roman rule, but a suffering servant who would free them from the tyranny of sin. Nonetheless, those whom Jesus heals cannot help but go around telling everyone they meet about the powerful prophet who restored them to health. For them, telling the story of Jesus’ healing power is part of the healing process itself.
This Sunday’s gospel is no different. Jesus opens the ears of a deaf man and heals his speech impediment. Throughout his whole life he was unable to hear the sounds all around him. Now the first voice he hears is that of Jesus commanding his ears to be opened. During his life he probably spoke only when necessary because he was ashamed of his speech impediment. Now, with his tongue loosened, he cannot help but tell everyone about the miracle that God performed in his life. His first clear words were praise of God for the gift of healing he received in Jesus. How could he now be expected to keep silent about the great work God performed in his life?
Jesus continues to be in our midst exercising his healing powers. Though it is rare, it still happens that people are cured of diseases or physical impairments through the power of prayer. Most often, however, the healings we experience through faith are of an emotional or spiritual nature. Because of our own prayers or those of others, we may find ourselves finally able to forgive someone who has hurt us. Or we may find the ability to let go of a burden of anger which we have been carrying for years. Or we may simply be overcome with a sense of God’s infinite mercy and believe that our sins have been forgiven. In one way or another, each of us has been touched by Jesus and healed. Now it is up to us to tell others about it so that they too may meet Jesus, the healer. If we want to hold on to the healing we have received, and if we want it to deepen in our lives, we must spread the good news about what Jesus has done for us.
Douglas Sousa
Pope Francis' Monthly Intention
An Environmentally Sustainable Lifestyle
We pray that we all will make courageous choices for a simple and environmentally sustainable lifestyle, rejoicing in our young people who are resolutely committed to this.
A message from Fr Darren
This message also marks the new online format of our Parish newsletter. Each Sunday you will find the newsletter on the Parish website in an exciting format which includes the ability for you to access the newsletter in your own native language through the use of Google Translate. Hopefully this new tool will improve our on-line presence and become a great platform for communication to you all.
Blessings to you all and keep safe.
Fr Darren
An Act of Spiritual Communion
My Jesus,
I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament.
I love You above all things,
and I desire to receive You into my soul.
Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally,
come at least spiritually into my heart.
I embrace You as if You were already there
and unite myself wholly to You.
Never permit me to be separated from You.
Amen.
Faith-filled worship in time of lockdown
Parish-based Initiatives.
Support Life Sunday - 10 October 2021
Respect Life Sunday will be renamed Support Life Sunday from this year, to better reflect the active work Catholics must do to help people facing significant life decisions. Bishop Steve Lowe, Secretary of the NZ Catholic Bishops Conference, says the term “respect life” can seem passive. “Support Life reminds us that we are all called to both uphold the dignity of all life and be active in the practical work needed to support people facing significant life decisions.” Support Life Sunday is Sunday 10 October, with the theme "Honouring and Supporting Health Carers." Full details: https://www.catholic.org.nz/news/media-releases/respect-life-sunday-now-support-life-sunday/
Volunteer for Society of St. Vincent de Paul
Volunteers are required for our shops in Frankton. No experience required - training
will be provided. Full details are available on the "Vinnies Frankton" website: "Vinnies - Frankton Retail Assistant/ Volunteering". Phone Mary for other details at 07 847 4044.
POSTPONED - Divine Renovation Aotearoa Conference
Due to the current lockdown in Auckland and uncertainty regarding alert levels for the rest of the country, we have had to make the regrettable decision to postpone indefinitely the on site conference (19-21 October) at St Patrick’s, Taupo.
HOWEVER…We have decided to offer a free online webinar for you to attend, from the comfort of your own home.
Save - the Date - Wednesday 20th October 7.30 pm. Details to be announced in the coming week - Watch this Space!
Net Ministries Australia
Are you a young person or know a young person who loves Jesus and is looking to Live for More? NET Ministries forms and sends out young people between the ages of 18-30 across Australia and New Zealand on a life changing mission. If you’re passionate about sharing your faith and growing closer to Jesus yourself, email recruiting@netministries.com.au or head to netaus.org.au to find out more!
Brothers and Sisters All - Sunday 3 October
Family Weekend - Hamilton
5-7 November in Hamilton
To register please visit familyweekend.cdh.nz
Rimbrook Study Centre is looking for residents for 2022!
Contact Us
Assistant Priest: Fr Isaac Fransen frisaac@hamcathedral.co.nz
Email: newsletter@cathedral.cdh.nz
Website: https://churchwebsite.co.nz/hamcathedral/
Location: 494 Grey St, Hamilton East, Hamilton 3216, New Zealand
Phone: +64 7 856 6486